History of Balls Ferry State Park

In the spring of 2001, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) initiated a study to assess the feasibility of developing a new State park along the Oconee River at the site of the old Ball’s Ferry in Wilkinson County. This area is particularly significant, as it is not only a potential site for recreation but also a place where community events like the Balls Ferry Duck Race could be held in the future. 

Plum Creek Company owned all the land of interest and expressed a willingness to sell some of the approximately 720 acres to the State for park purposes. The idea for a state park was championed by Wilkinson County, under the leadership of Chairman Dennis Holder, and received support from Johnson, Washington, Baldwin, and Laurens counties. Collectively, these counties proposed the idea to the DNR, which led to the state legislature appropriating funds for the DNR to proceed with a master plan study.

Planning began with a preliminary meeting involving local officials in the project area. Local interest spurred the formation of the Ball's Ferry Historical Park Association, with members from Wilkinson, Johnson, Washington, Baldwin, and Laurens counties. Although the park land is situated entirely within Wilkinson County, the neighboring counties have vested interests due to their proximity and the potential for economic growth. Given the high level of engagement in the preliminary meetings, the DNR sponsored the development of a master plan for the Oconee River park development.